Today’s automobile has an advanced electrical system auto manufacturers from the days of old could only dream of. The system does more than power the battery these days; it powers everything from GPS to in-vehicle entertainment systems. The more things that can go wrong will, which is why Auto Solutions is listing six signs your vehicle has electrical problems below so you identify the issue early.
1. Dead Engine
The number one sign that you have an electrical problem is your engine won’t start or is consistently hard to start. This issue could be attributed to many things, including the alternator, battery, starter, or a wiring issue such as chewed or disconnected wires. The issue could also be in the fuel system.
2. Dimmed Lights
Another clear sign your vehicle’s electrical system is failing is dimmed lights. This sign is often subtle. You might not notice at first that your lights are dimmer than they used to be. Eventually, you’ll find it harder to see at night and the lights might also flicker. This problem points to the alternator or battery.
3. Blowing Fuses
If your car, truck, or C/SUV is blowing fuses constantly, you’ve got an electrical problem. Just like your home’s fuse box, your vehicle’s fuse box will blow (cut) the fuse if there’s a power surge. If find yourself replacing fuses all the time, there’s either a short circuit or overload happening in the electrical system.
4. Burning Smells
This sign could signal an electrical fire or, at a minimum, burning wires which, as you can imagine, could mean serious trouble. If the wires are carrying too much current, the wire insulation will melt and you’ll smell a hot or burning smell. The engine could be too hot, as well, and burn away at the wire insulation.
5. Dead Components
As we said in the introduction, car electrical systems power a ton of stuff these days, and if there’s a problem, your components might suffer. You might end up with a dead stereo, Bluetooth connection, or even a wonky GPS system. You could also see power loss in the windows and seat adjustments.
6. ALT Light
Finally, your vehicle’s dashboard has one or more of the following: ALT, GEN, and/or battery-shaped warning light(s). If any of them light up other than when you first start your car, you’ve got an electrical problem. If you only have the battery-shaped light, it will also turn on if the alternator is dying.
Call Auto Solutions in Orlando, FL, to schedule an electrical system inspection if you’re experiencing any of the signs of an electrical problem above.
